Cooler

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is a cooler including a cooler housing, at least one cooler cavity defined by the cooler housing, a first area of access to the cooler cavity, the first area of access being at least partially defined by the cooler housing and selectively configurable between an open condition and closed condition, a second area of access to the cooler cavity, the second area of access being at least partially defined by the cooler housing and selectively configurable between an open condition and closed condition, wherein the second area of access is positioned to be configured into the open condition when the first area of access is in the open condition and the closed condition.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a 371 of International Application No. PCT/US2014/046132, filed Jul. 10, 2014, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/844,719, filed Jul. 10, 2013, both of which are hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD

The disclosure is generally directed to a cooler, and more specifically to a cooler with improved features.

BACKGROUND

Coolers are designed to contain and insulate consumables have been enjoyed by tailgaters, beachgoers, campers and other recreation minded people for decades. Over the years, the cooler has become a staple for those who wish to partake in outdoor or group activities, and wish to transport food and beverage with their group.

Indeed, it could be said that the cooler acts as a center of gravity for a group enjoying a recreational activity, as it is the one area that all members of the group must at least occasionally visit the cooler if they wish to obtain a beverage or snack. In light of this importance, enhancements to conventional coolers that merely contain and insulate would be desirable.

SUMMARY

Disclosed is a cooler including a cooler housing, at least one cooler cavity defined by the cooler housing, a first area of access to the cooler cavity, the first area of access being at least partially defined by the cooler housing and selectively configurable between an open condition and closed condition, a second area of access to the cooler cavity, the second area of access being at least partially defined by the cooler housing and selectively configurable between an open condition and closed condition, wherein the second area of access is positioned to be configured into the open condition when the first area of access is in the open condition and the closed condition.

Also disclosed is a cooler including a cooler housing, at least one cooler cavity defined by the cooler housing, at least one cooler access point disposed to provide access to the cooler cavity, a seating arrangement that is at least one of slidably and rotatably associated with the cooler housing, wherein the at least one cooler cavity access point s accessible via at least one of a sliding and rotating of the seating arrangement.

Additionally disclosed is a cooler including a cooler housing, at least one cooler cavity defined by the cooler housing, at least one cooler access point disposed to provide access to the cooler cavity, and a table arrangement that is extendably associated with the cooler housing, wherein the at least one cooler cavity access point is accessible via an extending of the table arrangement.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a cooler in accordance an exemplary embodiment:

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the cooler as shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 2a is a front perspective view of an interior of the cooler as shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of a cooler in accordance with another platy embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of a cooler in accordance with another exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of a cooler in accordance with another exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of a cooler in accordance with another exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a rear perspective view of the cooler as shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 7a is a front perspective view of an interior of the cooler as shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of a cooler in accordance with another exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 9 is a front perspective view of a cooler in accordance with another exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of a cooler in accordance with another exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 11 is a front perspective view of a cooler in accordance with another exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 12 is a rear perspective view of a cooler in accordance with another exemplary embodiment; and

FIG. 13 is a front perspective view of a cooler in accordance with another exemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

With reference to FIGS. 1-13, various embodiments of an improved cooler in accordance with applicant's disclosure will be discussed hereinbelow. Such improvements include a number of desirable seating arrangements, access options, and other features designed to enhance a user's experience.

Referring first to FIGS. 1-5, an exemplary embodiment of a cooler 10 with varying seating options but similar access options is shown. The cooler 10 includes a cooler body or housing 12 and at least one cooler cavity 14 defined by the housing. The cavity 14 includes a first area of access 16 that is selectively configurable between an open condition and closed condition via a lid 18, a second area of access 20 that is selectively configurable between an open condition and closed condition via a lid 22, and a third area of access 24 that is selectively configurable between an open condition and closed condition via a lid 26. The cooler 10 also includes a seating arrangement 28 with a seating portion 30 and optional seat back 32 that folds up from the seating portion 30. The seat back 32 or perhaps the housing 12 itself (as shown in FIG. 2) may include an extendable support 34 extending therefrom and designed to prevent the cooler 10 from tipping backwards when a user or user sits in the seating arrangement 28. The seating portion 30 may act as the lid 18 (as shown in the Figures) or be disposed atop the lid and articulately or removably associated therewith (removability allowing the seat to be taken from the cooler and used in another environment)

In each of the exemplary coolers 10 shown in FIGS. 1-5, the second and third areas of access 20, 24 are disposed along the sides of the seating arrangement 28, in an area that allows accessibility to both a user(s) in the seat(s) and those in the surrounding area. These second and third areas 20, 24 are separate and distinct openings from each other and the first area or opening 16 in the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-5, and are positioned such that a user may access the cooler cavity 14 via the second or third areas 20, 24 when the first area 16 is closed (i.e. when the lid 18 and/or seating arrangement 28 is occupied by a person or people or otherwise prevented from being opened). Via the second and third areas 20, 24, a user relaxing in the seating arrangement 28 does not have to stand up in order to lift the lid 18 and allow access to the cooler cavity (and beverages therein) to another user (or the actual user sitting in the seats). Providing access in this manner obviously enhances convenience to user(s) the seating arrangement 28, as well as other users who might wish to retrieve and item from the cooler 10. It also allows for a cooler design that actually encourages users to sit on cooler tops (see the elaborate seating arrangements of the Figures), which would be unexpected and a drawback for traditional coolers in light of the fact that a sitting user blocks access to the cooler contents for other users.

As shown in FIG. 5, with potential access issues resolved by the second and third access areas 20, 24, further enhancements, such as a table portion 36 and garbage bin 38 that extend off of the seating arrangement or cooler housing may also be contemplated and incorporated into construction of the cooler 10.

Referring next to FIGS. 6-10, another exemplary embodiment of a cooler 100 with varying seating options but similar access options is shown. The cooler 100 includes a cooler body or housing 102 and at least one cooler cavity 104 defined by the housing. The cavity 104 includes a first area of access 106 that is selectively configurable between an open condition and closed condition via a lid 108 and a second area of access 120 that is selectively configurable between an open condition and closed condition via a lid 122. The cooler 100 also includes a seating arrangement 128 with a seating portion 130 and optional seat back 132 that folds up from the seating portion 130. The seat back 132 or perhaps the housing 102 itself (as shown in FIG. 7) may include an extendable support 134 extending therefrom and designed to prevent the cooler 100 from tipping backwards when a user or user sits in the seating arrangement 128. The seating portion 130 may act as the lid 108 (as shown in the Figures) or be disposed atop the lid and articulately or removably associated therewith (removability allowing the seat to be taken from the cooler and used in another environment)

In each of the exemplary coolers 100 shown in FIGS. 6-10, the second area of access 120 is disposed at a relative rear of the seating arrangement 128 proximate a hinge association between the lid 122 and cooler housing 102, in an area that allows accessibility to the cooler contents by at least the users in the surrounding area of each cooler 100. These second area of access 120 is a separate and distinct opening from the first area or opening 106 in the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 6-10, and is positioned such that a user may access the cooler cavity 104 via the second area of access 120 when the first area 106 is closed (i.e. when the lid 122 and/or seating arrangement 128 is occupied by a person or people or otherwise prevented from being opened). Via the second area of access 120, a user relaxing in the seating arrangement 128 does not have to stand up in order to allow access to the cooler cavity (and beverages therein) to another user. Hereagain, providing access in this manner obviously enhances convenience to user(s) in the seating arrangement 128, as well as other users who might wish to retrieve and item from the cooler 100. It also allows for a cooler design that actually encourages users to sit on cooler tops (see the elaborate seating arrangements of the Figures), which would be unexpected and a drawback for traditional coolers in light of the fact that a sitting user blocks access to other users.

As shown in FIG. 10, with potential access issues resolved by the second access area 120, further enhancements, such as a table portion 136 and garbage bin that extend off of the seating arrangement or cooler housing may also be contemplated and incorporated into construction of the cooler 100.

Notably, the areas of access or openings 20, 24, 120 of FIGS. 1-10 are defined by the housing 12 to be disposed at an oblique angle to the areas of access or openings 16, 116. This is beneficial, though not necessary, to cooler cavity access.

Referring now to FIG. 11, another exemplary embodiment of a cooler 200 with a seating option and a unique access option is shown. The cooler 200 includes a cooler body or housing 202 and at least one cooler cavity (within the housing) defined by the housing. The cavity includes a first area of access 206 that is selectively configurable between an open condition and closed condition via a lid 208. The cooler 200 also includes a seating arrangement 228 with two slidable seats 230, 232 (though one seat is also contemplated).

The two seats 230, 232 may be maintained and perhaps licked together when the cooler is being transported or stowed, such that the lid 208 is covered and prevented from being opened by the seats 230, 232. When a user wishes to access the cooler cavity, the seats 230, 232 are slid away from each other in a manner that exposes the area of access 206 or lid 208, which may be opened and closed to selectively provide access to the cooler cavity. Alternatively, the seats 230, 232 may themselves act as a lid, whereby separation of the seats 230, 232 provides direct access to the cooler cavity via the area of access or opening 206.

The above described sliding of the seats 230, 232 may be achieved by associating of the seats 230, 232 with the cooler housing 202 via any known slidable system (such as but not limited to a guide rail or pair of guide rails). In addition, and similar to the above discussed embodiments of FIGS. 1-10, the seats 230, 232 include a seating portion 234 and optional seat back 236 that folds up from the seating portion 234. The seating portions 234 may include supports 238 (perhaps extendable or simply nestable with the cooler housing 202) designed to provide a base for each seat 230, 232. In addition the seats 230, 232 may be removably associated with the housing (removability allowing the seat to be taken from the cooler and used in another environment).

Similarly once again to the above discussed embodiments, the slidable seats 230, 232 allow a user(s) to relax in one or both seats 230, 232 and not have to stand up in order to allow access to the cooler cavity (and beverages therein) to another user (or the actual user(s) sitting in the seats). Provision of access in this manner is obviously of great convenience to user(s) in one or both seats 230, 232, as well as other users who might wish to retrieve and item from the cooler 200. It also allows for a cooler design that actually encourages users to sit on coolers, which would be unexpected and a drawback for traditional coolers in light of the fact that a sitting user blocks access to other users.

Referring next to FIG. 12, yet another exemplary embodiment of a cooler 300 with a seating option and a unique access option is shown. The cooler 300 includes a cooler body or housing 302 and at least one cooler cavity (within the housing) defined by the housing. The cavity includes a first area of access 306 that is selectively configurable between an open condition and closed condition via a lid 308. The cooler 300 also includes a rotatable seating arrangement 328.

The rotatable seating arrangement 328 may be maintained and perhaps locked in a closed position when the cooler is being transported or stowed, such that the lid 308 is covered and prevented from being opened by the rotatable seating arrangement 328. As shown in FIG. 12, the seating arrangement 328 includes a seating portion 334 and an optional seat back 336. The seat back 336 (if present) may be folded down upon the lid 308 when in the closed position, with the seating portion 334 being folded down upon the seat back 336 (or lid if there is no seat back is present). The seating portion 334 may also include a support 338 that folds down upon the seating potion 334 when in the closed position. In addition the seating arrangement 328 may be removably associated with the housing (removability allowing the seat to be taken from the cooler and used in another environment).

When a user wishes to access the cooler cavity, the seating arrangement 328 may be folded away from the lid 308 as shown in FIG. 12, such that the seating portion 334 is rotated 180 degrees from the lid 308 or area of access 306, and the seat back 336 is 90 degrees from the lid 308 or area of access 306. Rotation of the seating arrangement 328 in this manner exposes the area of access 306 or lid 308, which may be opened and closed to selectively provide access to the cooler cavity. Alternatively, the seating arrangement 328 itself may act as a lid, whereby rotation of the seating arrangement 328 away from the area of access 306 provides direct access to the cooler cavity via the area of access or opening 306.

The above described rotation of the seating arrangement 328 may be achieved by associating of the seating arrangement 328 with the cooler housing 302 via any known rotatable system (such as but not limited to a hinge system). In addition, and similar to the above discussed embodiments of FIGS. 1-11, the seating arrangement 328 includes the support 338, which is designed to provide a base for the seating arrangement 328, and prevent tipping of the cooler 300.

Similarly once again to the above discussed embodiments, the rotatable seating arrangement 328 allow a user(s) to relax in the seating arrangement 328 and not have to stand up in order to allow access to the cooler cavity (and beverages therein) to at least another user. Provision of access in this manner is obviously of great convenience to user(s) in the seating arrangement 328, as well as other users who might wish to retrieve and item from the cooler 300. It also allows for a cooler design that actually encourages users to sit on coolers, which would be unexpected and a drawback for traditional coolers in light of the fact that a sitting user blocks access to other users.

Referring now to FIG. 13, an exemplary embodiment of a cooler system 400 with enhanced user features is shown. The cooler system 400 includes a cooler 401 with a cooler body or housing 402 and at least one cooler cavity (within the housing) defined by the housing. The cavity includes a first area of access 406 that is selectively configurable between an open condition and closed condition via a lid 408. The cooler system 400 also includes a table arrangement 410 extendable from the cooler housing 402 and stowable chair 412.

The table arrangement 410 may be maintained and perhaps locked in a closed position when the cooler system 400 is being transported or stowed, such that the lid 208 is covered and prevented from being opened by the table arrangement 410. Optionally, the chair 412 may also be secured between the table arrangement 412 and lid 408 or cooler housing 402 when the system is in a closed position. When a user wishes to access the cooler cavity, the table arrangement 410 may be extended away from the area of access 406 or lid 408, which may be opened and closed to selectively provide access to the cooler cavity. Alternatively, the table arrangement 410 itself may act as a lid, whereby extension thereof provides direct access to the cooler cavity via the area of access or opening 406. If the optional chair 412 is included in the system 400, the chair will obviously be removed from blocking the area of access 406 when the table arrangement 410 is extended. In addition the table arrangement 412 may be removably associated with the housing (removability allowing the seat to be taken from the cooler and used in another environment).

The extended table arrangement 410 may be locked into an open position at a desirable extension point(s) from the housing 402. This may be accomplished via any known extending system (such as but not limited to an extendable pole and slot or telescoping system). The system 400 as disclosed allows for an enhanced user experience by providing both a table station and seating configured to prevent interference with access to the cooler cavity. Similarly once again to the above discussed embodiments, the system 400 allow a user(s) to use the cooler 401 as a table (via the table arrangement 410) and/or relax in the chair 412, while not having to remove items from a top of the cooler and/or to stand up in order to allow access to the cooler cavity (and beverages therein) to at least another user. Provision of access in this manner is obviously of great convenience to user(s) in the chair 412 and using the table arrangement 410, as well as other users who might wish to retrieve and item from the cooler 401. It also allows for a cooler design that actually encourages users to sit on elements of a cooler system and use portion of the cooler as a table, which would be unexpected and a drawback for traditional coolers in light of the fact that a sitting user blocks access to other users.

It should be appreciated that all of the above discussed coolers 10, 100, 200, 300, and 401 (or chair 412) may include additional features intended to enhance user experience. For example, enhancement features such as but not limited to bottle openers, cutting boards, and drainage spouts are all contemplated by this disclosure. Any of these features (particularly the bottle opener) may be placed in any desirable area of the coolers, such as but limited to the seating arrangements, housings or portions of the housings proximate or defining the various areas of access.

All references, including publications, patent applications, and patents cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each reference were individually and specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set forth in its entirety herein.

The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) is to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms “comprising”, “having”, “including”, and “containing” are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, but not limited to”,) unless otherwise noted. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention.

Preferred embodiments of this invention are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention. Variations of those preferred embodiments may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventors expect skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. 

1. A cooler comprising: a cooler housing; at least one cooler cavity defined by said cooler housing; a first area of access to said cooler cavity, said first area of access being at least partially defined by said cooler housing and selectively configurable between an open condition and closed condition; a second area of access to said cooler cavity, said second area of access being at least partially defined by said cooler housing and selectively configurable between an open condition and closed condition; wherein said second area of access is positioned to be configured into said open condition when said first area of access is in said open condition and said closed condition.
 2. The cooler of claim 1, wherein said first area of access is selectively configurable between said open condition and said closed condition via at least one first lid, wherein said second area of access is selectively configurable between said open condition and said closed condition via at least one second lid.
 3. The cooler of claim 1, wherein said first area of access is a first opening into said cooler cavity and said second area of access is a second opening into said cooler cavity, said first opening being separate and distinct from said second opening.
 4. The cooler of claim 1, wherein said first area of access is larger than said second area of access.
 5. The cooler of claim 1, wherein said first area of access is selectively configurable between said open condition and said closed condition via a lid that includes a seating arrangement for at least one user.
 6. The cooler of claim 5, wherein said second area of access is configurable into said open position when at least one user is seated in said seating arrangement.
 7. The cooler of claim 6, wherein said second area of access is configurable into said open position and accessible to said at least one user when said at least one user is seated in said seating arrangement.
 8. The cooler of claim 6, wherein said seating arrangement includes a foldable seat back.
 9. The cooler of claim 8, wherein said foldable seat back includes a support extension.
 10. The cooler of claim 2, wherein said second area of access is disposed proximate a hinge association between said fist lid and said cooler housing.
 11. The cooler of claim 2, wherein said second area of access is disposed to run substantially parallel to a hinge association between said fist lid and said cooler housing.
 12. The cooler of claim 2, wherein said second area of access is disposed to run substantially orthogonal to a hinge association between said fist lid and said cooler housing.
 13. The cooler of claim 6, wherein said second area of access is disposed to a relative side of said seating arrangement.
 14. The cooler of claim 1, including a third area of access to said cooler cavity, said third area of access being at least partially defined by said cooler housing and selectively configurable between an open condition and closed condition.
 15. The cooler of claim 6, wherein said second area of access is disposed at a relative rear of said seating arrangement.
 16. The cooler of claim 1, wherein said second area of access is disposed at an oblique angle relative to said first area of access.
 17. The cooler of claim 8 wherein said foldable seat back includes an extendable table portion.
 18. The cooler of claim 1, including a table portion extendable from a relative side of said cooler housing.
 19. A cooler comprising: a cooler housing; at least one cooler cavity defined by said cooler housing; at least one cooler access point disposed to provide access to said cooler cavity; and a seating arrangement that is at least one of slidably and rotatably associated with said cooler housing; wherein said at least one cooler cavity access point is accessible via at least one of a sliding and rotating of said seating arrangement.
 20. The cooler of claim 19, wherein said at least one access point is an opening in communication with said at least one cooler cavity, wherein said opening is defined by said cooler housing and positioned relatively below said seating arrangement, and wherein said opening is exposed to an ambient environment via at least one of said sliding and said rotating of said seating arrangement.
 21. The cooler of claim 19, wherein said at least one cooler access point includes at least one lid disposed between said seating arrangement and said cooler cavity.
 22. The cooler of claim 19, wherein said seating arrangement is two seats slidable away from each other to provide access to said at least one cooler access point.
 23. The cooler of claim 19, wherein said seating arrangement is rotatable into a seating position that is 180 degrees from a closed position.
 24. The cooler of claim 23, wherein said seating arrangement includes a seat back that is rotatable into a seat back position that is 90 degrees from a folded position.
 25. A cooler comprising: a cooler housing; at least one cooler cavity defined by said cooler housing; at least one cooler access point disposed to provide access to said cooler cavity; a table arrangement that is extendably associated with said cooler housing; wherein said at least one cooler cavity access point is accessible via an extending of said table arrangement.
 26. The cooler of claim 25, wherein said at least one access point is an opening in communication with said at least one cooler cavity, wherein said opening is defined by said cooler housing and positioned relatively below said table arrangement, and wherein said opening is exposed to an ambient environment via said extending of said table arrangement.
 27. The cooler of claim 25, wherein said at least one cooler access point includes at least one lid disposed between said table arrangement and said cooler cavity.
 28. The cooler of claim 25, wherein said table is configured between a compact closed position and open extended position, wherein a foldable chair is disposable between said table arrangement and said cooler housing when said table arrangement is in said compact closed position. 